Tifa Lockhart is a fictional character from the Final Fantasy VII series, created by Square Enix. She was designed by Tetsuya Nomura and first appeared in the 1997 role-playing game Final Fantasy VII.
Tifa serves as one of the main characters in the game, acting as a close friend and potential romantic interest for the protagonist, Cloud Strife. She is the owner of the Seventh Heaven bar in the slums of Midgar, which also serves as a front for the AVALANCHE resistance group, where she plays a pivotal role in their fight against the Shinra Electric Power Company.
Her backstory involves growing up with Cloud Strife in the small village of Nibelheim. After a traumatic incident involving the Shinra, which led to the destruction of her hometown, Tifa's life takes a significant turn, leading her to join AVALANCHE.
Tetsuya Nomura designed Tifa with a distinctive look that includes a white tank top, black miniskirt, and red boots, which has become iconic. Her appearance was meant to contrast with other female characters in the series, giving her a more grounded, realistic look. Her fighting style in the game involves martial arts, emphasizing her physical strength and agility, which has contributed to her popularity among fans.
Tifa has been well-received by both critics and fans, often cited for her complex character development, her role in the narrative, and her memorable design. She has appeared in numerous Final Fantasy VII spin-offs, sequels, and adaptations, including: